Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism counted 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, a third annual record, as daily South American air service and rental choices formed part of the emirate's visitor offer.
The tally extended Dubai's record run to a third consecutive year. People from the Americas accounted for about 1.4 million visitors, or roughly 7% of the total, the department's figures showed. The 2024 total was 18.72 million.
MercoPress reported that rental options for visitors range from basic compact cars to high-end sedans and performance models, with SUVs also available. Some tourists regard driving a premium model as part of the trip itself, the outlet said.
The report said vehicles can be collected at a terminal or delivered to a hotel. Listed prices, deposits and daily mileage allowances vary by rental company, it added.
MercoPress cited the road network as another draw. Abu Dhabi is about an hour and a half away by highway, while the drive to Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah includes many sharp bends. The outlet said some visitors rent a car for the chance to drive a model they would not own at home. Dubai's major highways are wide and clearly signed, and traffic travels on the right, as in Brazil and Argentina, according to the report.
The Dubai–Rio de Janeiro–Buenos Aires route went daily in late October 2025, MercoPress reported. The outlet said Dubai already had daily Airbus A380 service to São Paulo.
First-time renters need to check age and paperwork rules, the report said. The usual minimum driving age is 21, but many providers require drivers to be at least 25 for luxury and sports cars. Requirements can include a passport, visa or entry stamp, driver's license and, for some nationalities, an international driving permit. Salik toll gates have no booths; rental companies add toll charges and speeding fines to customers' bills later. MercoPress advised travelers to compare deposit and mileage terms before arrival.
